Arrowtarian Senior Citizens’ Society fundraising chair, Susan DeSandoli, says there will soon be a thermometer sign erected to show how much has been raised towards construction of Rotary Villa’s Phase 5.The society submitted a proposal for the nine-unit seniors’ housing project for consideration of an ‘Investment in Housing Innovation’ (IHI) grant for $750,000, administered by BC Housing. The project has advanced through the provisional project approval stage of development at BC Housing.This and other funding contributions are essential to bringing the project into reality. The Arrowtarian Society has identified a fundraising shortfall of approximately $400,000 between available funds, the grant (pending approval), and an affordable mortgage.The Arrow Lakes Health Care Auxiliary is donating $100,000, earmarked for the elevator.Donations can be made through Fundly at the society’s website, arrowtarian.com, or send cheques payable to Arrowtarian Senior Citizens Society to Box 688, Nakusp, BC V0G 1R0. Tax receipts will be sent out for all donations over $20.If the fundraising is successful, the society hopes to begin construction by the spring of 2018.

​But we need to raise some money to make it happen! Please think about donating, either by using the Fundly link on our home page or by contacting us directly. We appreciate any donations, large or small. Small donations add up, and show the larger funders that we have community support for this very important project.

April - May 2017

A hazmat study reveals that there is asbestos and lead paint in the building. Workers arrive from Stutters Restoration and quickly get to work removing the hazardous materials to be disposed of according to local, provincial and federal regulations.

With only the shell of the house left, Crescent Bay Construction arrives with equipment and crew to complete the demolition.

​Many thanks to Eric Waterfield and Crescent Bay Construction for the generous donation of equipment and fuel!

MORE HOUSING FOR SENIORS IS ON THE WAY FOR NAKUSPby Jillian Trainor - Arrow Lakes Newsposted Jan 7, 2017 at 5:00 AM

Affordable housing can be difficult to find and the quest for this housing is sometimes made more difficult when a resident lives in a more rural setting.

To help with this matter, the government of British Columbia has made a commitment to $516 million toward 68 housing projects throughout the province.

One of the groups to receive a portion of this funding is the Arrowtarian Senior Citizen Society (ASCS) in Nakusp. They have received $750,000 to help with their project, called Phase 5.

The society is looking to build a three level, nine unit apartment complex on the same block as the rest of the ASCS seniors’ housing units.

Having these units would be helpful if a senior is potentially looking to downsize their living space.

“When you look at the populations, and this comes from the Better At Home program, the Nakusp statistics are 390 people over 65,” said Earl Frerichs, president of the ASCS. “So 25 per cent of the population of Nakusp is over 65, 34 per cent of Burton is over 65, 29 per cent of Fauquier is over 65, and 25 per cent of Edgewood is over 65.”

Each unit will be 500 square feet, meaning a single bedroom, a bathroom, and an open area.

Amenities offered in the new building will be somewhat limited.

“It’s just the basics,” said Frerichs. “There’s laundry, there’s the one bedroom suites, and there will be scooter storage.”

The first floor will have a mechanical room, scooter storage, and three units. The second floor will have three units and the building’s laundry room. The third floor will have the final three units along with tenant storage. Parking will be available behind the building and around the side of the building.

Frerichs said there are already several seniors expressing an interest in becoming a tenant in the new building.

Construction on Phase 5 is expected to begin in June of this year and will be completed in December of 2019.